Ortom Shifts Support to Tinubu for 2027 Election

Samuel Ortom, the former Governor of Benue State, publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, marking a significant political shift. Ortom made this announcement during an appearance on Arise News on Tuesday, stating that his decision was influenced by the appointment of his former G5 colleague, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

He expressed no regrets about supporting Tinubu, emphasizing that after Tinubu's emergence as president, he felt compelled to align with the administration, stating, “If you can’t beat them, you join them.” Ortom had previously supported Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Additionally, he criticized the current administration of Governor Alia, alleging failures in upholding the rule of law and targeting political opponents, as well as claiming that local government autonomy was not being implemented.

Ortom also mentioned that a court judgment regarding the return of 23 government vehicles allocated to him and other former officials had not been honored.